[kj_burnham]

I got a puppy(approx. 4 months old), and her cheek Is Slightly Swollen. I don't know what it is from, bur she is really weak, and she doesnt want to eat. I think she might have been attacked by another dog. The problem with this is, my puppy is a coyote hybrid, which is not supposed to be exactly legal. What should i do with her?

[nattiej1976]

KJ, im not sure you are going to like my answer, but, you have asked the question so I will give you my reply.

Regardless of weather on not your dog is Legal, she has an injury that is preventing her from eating, her health will deteriorate quickly if you do not take her to an animal medical professional.

Mouth injurys can be risky given the bacteria that grows in an animals mouth, it can very quickly become infected, and cause some pretty nasty (and expensive) stuff to treat.

I would also suggest whilst you are at the vet, to discuss spay for her, as otherwise you are opening the door for several other "not so legal" dogs

[cigwyllt]

I have to agree. You have no choice. You took her on knowing that she was illegal but you have a responsibility to her. It's not the pup's fault irresponsible people allow the breeding of hybrids and she is suffering, and will continue to suffer until she has been treated by the vet.

[reeskujo]

I'm not trying to be mean but why would you get a hybrid that you know is illegal to own and you would have problems getting it vet care?

In many states vets will not even treat a hybrid...How did you expect to get vet care for your pup...

The only suggestion I have is to take her to the vet and not mention your pup is a hybrid but simply a mixed breed...Depending on what the pup looks like it may work but either way that poor baby has to be seen by a vet.


As for Natties suggestion about getting her spayed, I couldn't agree more...You can not afford to have more hybrid pups that can't be properly cared for.

[DoggieVogue]

I have to agree with the others, you cannot punish your dog who is ill because you got her illegally. She needs medical treatment and it's a risk you're going to have to take unless you have any close friends who are vets perhaps. Good luck, and I hope she gets better quickly!

[CorkyMax]

I was thinking an infection under the skin too. I have cellulitis right now myself--Have diabetes and this is easy to get and have had it too many times before. Cellulitis is when bacteria gets under the skin and I know it would not go away by itself! Antibiotics are a must have and the longer you wait the harder to control even with the antibiotics. And this being an infection on the face--that close to the brain--Sounds like DOUBLE TROUBLE the longer it goes without the treatment it has to have now!!

I was also thinking trying to pass your 'dog' off as a mixed breed but hesitated to suggest it before. But you must try or this poor baby could die if left untreated---and infection to the brain is not going to be pretty!

Has she been vaccinated for Rabies!!?? I would be very concerned about that too if she hasn't. I hope there is no problem there but if there is--Sigh--Right now it isn't advisable to get that shot when she is already sick--May do her in!! And I pray to God she hasn't gotten Rabies ---You could very well be in danger yourself! I am no expert, members, anything to add to this??

Not eating and weak could be symptoms for Rabies too. If she got bit--Do you know what bit her---see if it has rabies. Is she refusing to drink water also!? Best look up about rabies I am thinking and check for signs now and near future. And find out what you need to do to protect you and everything else!

[Marc]

I think it's an infection needing antibiotics. If this is the case, I think you would see improvement 36-48 hours after starting treatment. Only a vet can prescribe what you need. Is she drinking? She has to have fluids. subQ if necessary (a vet will give her a quick injection of a lot of fluids under her skin and let you take her home right after). Also, if it's an infection the vet will tell you to give her all of the antibiotics VERY NECESSARY or it will come back much worse.

Tell the vet you don't know what breed your dog is. Most vets don't care - they will just treat the animal and turn the other cheek. My aunt's wolf was illegal but the vet wrote "shepherd mix" on the paperwork.

If you take care of her, she'll make a great pet for you.

::slaps hands:: just don't buy an illegal animal in the future - it encourages breeders to do this

Along with Corky/Max's comment - once your little girl is getting better and you have a vet that you are starting to trust, get that rabies vaccine.

[CorkyMax]

I also should of said--If/when your pup goes on antibiotics, you need to give probiotics to help put the necessary, heathy good bacteria back in the bowels that the antibiotic destroys (And yogurt is not going to do it---need to get a supplement meant for dogs---human kind is not the right kind--Ours is different!) I would especially get this probiotic to build the immune system back up before getting that nasty rabies shot which is very hard on the immune system anyhow!!!

Here is info on the probiotic ---I had asked a vet (a Dr. Lee from another dog forum I am in) about this subject and this is a copy of part of his reply: Dogs unfortunately utilize a different bacteria for their normal flora so human probiotics are different from dog probiotics which are different that rabbit probiotics and cat probiotics. Dog probioitics are readily available in not only stores but also online. Why supplement them? I don't know that I really push these either for 'normal' dogs but I do recommend them for dogs that are on antibiotics or have diarrhea. Thus I recommend and prescribe probioitcs more commonly than I do enzyme supplements. By supplying 'good' bacteria, it helps the dogs rejuvenate the normal flora. For dogs that might have diarrhea or be exposed to 'bad bacteria' or antibiotics, being on a probiotic can help them.

[Marc]

^ definately - I didn't think of that!